Gilbert 55+ Communities

When you planned for your retirement, did you think to add time for taking care of your house and lawn? Daily chores like mowing the lawn or doing laundry can add up to hours and less time spent doing the things you enjoy. 55+ communities can put an end to your list of tasks to complete and can take care of stuff like cleaning your house, doing your laundry, and even preparing your meals.

Whether it’s called a senior living center, retirement village, or even an assisted living facility, all of these places are considered a 55+ community. They all offer senior-friendly amenities that can help you design your lifestyle and get the most out of your retirement years. Arizona has long been a popular place for seniors, and because Gilbert is close to the Phoenix area, it has plenty of 55+ communities to offer. There is even a 2016 Best of Senior Living Award winner, The Oaks, located right in Gilbert.

What It Costs To Live In A 55+ Community In Gilbert

The cost of a 55+ community will largely depend on the area it’s in and the type of amenities it offers but it will be more expensive than a typical apartment. In Gilbert, a one-bedroom apartment costs around $951 per month while a one-bedroom apartment in a 55+ community could average around $3,470 per month. Now keep in mind that is just an average, and there are places in Gilbert that have lower per month costs, some as low as $1,600 per month.

Paying For A 55+ Community

You will have to pay for your new community largely out-of-pocket, and that is because Medicaid and VA benefits along with long-term care insurance will only cover health care costs, not simple living costs. If you have a sizeable retirement savings fund or Social Security payments, those can help you pay for your new home.

A few other options that could help bring in more money are selling or renting out your house and considering a roommate. If you own your home, renting it out can bring in cash each month and if you don’t mind living with someone else, it can help cut costs. Give the roommate situation a short trial and make sure it isn’t against the rules.

Looking For The Right 55+ Community

Most communities have something different to offer each senior, and you need to decide what’s important to you before you choose a community. Make a list of all the things you want from your retirement such as pets, family visits, travel plans, proximity to city life, entertainment preferences, and access to transportation.

Once you know what you want from your lifestyle, ask your friends and family members who know you best for suggestions. Start your research and visit as many places as possible to see if you can find one that is a good fit.

Amenities: The Basics And The Extras

Based on the list you made of things you want, you should make sure the amenities offered in each community will be a benefit or not. Each place has their own amenities and services so ask beforehand and find out what’s included and what is extra.

There will be a few services that are built into the cost of your rent, so you don’t have to worry about paying for those. Usually, it’s laundry services, housekeeping, and possibly cable and transportation around town. Sometimes meal plans are offered, and you can choose the one that fits your needs or ask not to be on a meal plan so you can cook your meals.

In addition to these basic amenities, there will be other services that are unique to each facility. You might find one with a swimming pool or a golf course, but make sure you know the cost of each amenity before you sign a lease. Other things you might find at each community could include:

On-site restaurant or pub
Grocery stores or general stores in the community center
Dog parks and walking trails
Game rooms
Live entertainment like a concert or show
Movie nights
Salons
Barbershops
Access to medical professionals like a dentist or podiatrist

Your Neighborhood And Your Future

The neighborhood you choose is going to play a part in your lifestyle as well. Is it close to grocery stores? Can you get to various activities? Is it loud or quiet? Remote or bustling? Just like you can choose the amenities that will complement your lifestyle, choose a neighborhood that will fit your life too.

Your future health should also play into your final decision. If you’re in good health and don’t mind moving around a lot, you can find a community that is more of an independent lifestyle. You won’t have nurses or doctors right on-site, and you will have more freedom to do as you please.

If you’re looking for a place that will help you as you age, look for a community that offers a continuum of care, which means as you need it, they will transition you to different rooms, care, and activities to fit the level of your health.